SECULAR CLERGY

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 247, 9 January 1928, Page 12

SECULAR CLERGY

LORD HUGH CECIL’S WARNING BISHOP ON DANCING “There is a dangerous non sequitur current in the minds of some bishops and clergy, that because Christianity comprises the whole of life they should talk about all sorts of subjects, whether they understand them or not. One must understand the subject matter to which witness is to be given,” said Lord Hugh Cecil, M.P., recently at the Ipswich Church Conference. There was a great deal of work in every parish that could be better done by the laity than the clergy. It was not desirable that the clergy should be incessantly absorbed in business matters. The laity should relieve them of business so that they are able to give their whole mind and attention to the spiritual life of the parish. Referring to laymen as preachers, Lord Hugh said: “The laity think they can preach very good sermons. They can—about six altogether, as has been very pungently said. Changed Country Youths “The saddest tendency in the countryside to-day is the diminution in the population ” said the Bishop of Lincoln, a striking figure with snow-white hair. Life in the country seems, nevertheless, more cheerful than it was in my boyhood days. There used to be a sad dullness which I do not find in the same measure to-day. Dancing is as popular in the country villages as in the towns, and I do not regret it. On the whole I believe in dancing, for it is for the good of the young people. When I was a boy I was made to dance, much against my will, because my mother said she would not have her sons growing up like stable-boys. I was made to dance to improve my manners, and I take it it has had almost that effect on country lads. The boys and girls I see coming up for Confirmation are sturdy and sometimes strikingly handsome. In that respect they compare very favourably with the towns. They are well mannered, too, and I have been struck by the seriousness of their demeanour. In the older days they were loutish and they showed a tendency to giggle on any possible occasion. They don’t giergle in that way now. They have gained poise, manners and selfrespect.